Kerry refuses to back UK over Falklands Islands sovereignty issue

London: New US Secretary of State, John Kerry, has declined to back Britain in the battle with Argentina over the future of the Falkland Islands.
Kerry refused to support next month`s referendum among the Falklanders on whether they want to remain British, reports Express.co.uk.
Kerry said the US recognizes de facto UK administration of the islands but takes no position on the question of parties` sovereignty claims thereto.

He said that the US supports co-operation between UK and Argentina on practical matters. The PM became the first world leader to meet Kerry since his appointment, at the start of an 11-day tour of Europe and the Middle East.

They discussed a new transAtlantic trade deal between the US and EU before talks on Syria, the Arab Spring and the Middle East. Kerry`s decision to use his first foreign trip since replacing Hillary Clinton to visit London is being seen as significant.

But Kerry`s visit comes after trans-Atlantic relations were strained when President Obama and other senior US figures warned against Britain leaving the EU.